HTC isn't backing down in its legal battle with Apple. The Taiwanese handset maker obtained nine new patents from Google over the past few weeks and is using them in a new offensive against Apple.

Though these new mobile patents won't guarantee victory for HTC, it's nice to see Google stepping up to the plate and helping out its Android manufacturing partners.

Update: Google's originally said it transferred the patents to HTC and did not mention an exchange of money. But HTC told AllThingsD that it purchased these patents from Google for an undisclosed sum. Google is still helping out its Android partners, but it's likely receiving some cash in exchange. [FOSS Patents]